IF you like individuality, there's a good chance you'll be a Subaru fan.

The Japanese firm - once famed for rally dominance - doesn't tend to follow trends. More likely it will set them, as was demonstrated with the current SUV fashion.

Their recently remodelled Forester was launched some 25 years ago, before the wave of boxy, high-riders swamped the car market.

Today's version, though heavily reworked, confirms to similar principles. It's solid, practical and spacious. Well, those are its undoubted qualities but set against the merits are the inevitable debits which may balance the equation - it's slower than rivals, more thirsty and some of the tech is a tad clunky and irritating.

The latest version, the e-Boxer, uses the established 2.0litre engine with mild self-charging hybridisation coupled to a CVT automatic gearbox and is driven by four wheels.

Among the improvements, aside from tidier front and rear ends, which incorporate the ubiquitous light-bar, are a 10 per cent boost in chassis rigidity, better visibility and a 39 per cent reduction in noise on the move,

Only at low speed does it travel on electric alone. But the flat-four engine is so quiet you barely notice it taking over from battery power. Only when revved does it become more audible and this is mainly because the Lineartronic CVT gearbox allows the engine to rev as it seems to chase a higher ratio. False steps, operated by the steering wheel paddles, relieve this to some extent.

But with acceleration to 62mph in around 12 seconds, you tend to frequently need to use a heavy right foot.

Ride is smooth and absorbent, easily gliding over poor surfaces soaking up the imperfections impressively. Cornering roll is evident but quite acceptable for a competent 4WD with decent ground clearance and serious off-road ability. Steering is light but transmits little road-feel back to driver.

The cabin is smart enough and looks built-to-last without being particularly exciting visually. We tired of the constant safety reminder warnings - ‘stay alert', ‘keep your eyes on the road' and ‘take a break'. All this despite continuing vigilance, having just begun the car and certainly not requiring a rest.

Another minor moan was the block on using the sat nav on the move. Fair enough to prevent the driver, but my passenger was unable to adjust the destination from her seat.

Front seats, which are heated and well cushioned, offer excellent support and proved comfortable over a 200-miles drive. Those in the rear are also excellent with loads of space to stretch your legs. Headroom all round is generous despite the fitment of a sliding glass sunroof. The boot holds 508litres of cargo which is about average for the sector.

Over a mixture motorway running and cross country A and B-roads we averaged 35mpg which is acceptable but hardly class-leading for a mid-size SUV.

Relaxing but tough and roomy the latest Forester will continue to please its loyal customer base in a hard-fought sector.

£44,100

2.0-litre, 4 cyl, 136bhp petrol hybrid engine driving 4 wheels via automatic gearbox

116mph

12.2sec

: 34.9

23

183g/km

37%

3yrs/60,000 miles

3.8